More Articles news

comment

ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. -- After reports of racist and anti-Semitic graffiti found spray-painted on rocks in High Tor State Park on Saturday, local leaders and organizations said they are fed up with the recurring events across the area.

"Jewish Federation is disgusted at the defacement of High Tor State Park by hateful bigotry. We can't imagine the mindset of those who would perpetrate such crimes and call upon law enforcement authorities to track-down and prosecute the offenders," said Gary Siepser, executive director of the Jewish Federation & Foundation.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day said any kind of hate graffiti or action are deplorable: “We deplore any symbol or any hint of hate directed at any person or group,” said Day. “Our Human Rights Commission stands ready to work with any groups to promote tolerance and respect among all the diverse people who live in Rockland.”

Siepser said on Facebook his organization is concerned about the increased frequency in the number of hate graffiti in the past year and invited residents to speak out against such behavior: "What does this say about Rockland County and the values of mutual respect that are the bedrock of a diverse society and the United States?"